Shearman & Sterling Summer Vaccation Scheme Review

I had a really fun experience at Shearman & Sterling with a range of social events and presentations for people on the vaccation scheme to really get a feel of what the firm is like. The great thing about the firm is that people are happy to speak to you and despite them handling prestigous cases there is a relaxed atmosphere that is great to be around.

8 - Everybody I encountered at the firm was friendly and many people were willing to explain things to me which I didn't understand. You'll find that you are allowed to help with work, but as can be expected the work you can be given is limited to an extent and sometimes you may have to ask around the office to find something to do.

I was never given any work without an explanation of the context or summary of what to do, there was always somebody to help. If on this scheme you may be challenged but you won't be given somebody that you can't be expected to handle. The Graduate Recruitment team are also very nice and can put you in contact with people in the firm, such as if you have unanswered questions relating to their specific practice area.

The scheme gives you insight into the practical aspect of law which you don't often focus on so much when studying law as an undergraduate degree, therefore I think it is more helpful in terms of looking towards career options and seeing the extent to which my degree will actually be useful during working life.

Getting to sit in two different practice areas, each for one week, I think was a great structure as you had enough time to get an idea of what they are about and how they compare with other areas within the firm. Aside from working you also get the chance to attend presentations and trainee workshops that are on during your time at the firm, so you can really see what trainee life would be like at Shearman & Sterling. Meanwhile, the firm does treat you out a couple of time to meals which is also a great way to relax and speak to more people from the firm. You definitely get a great experience over the two weeks.

Great atmosphere at the firm, your workload will naturally depend on what is happening in your practice area at the time. Some days were slow and work at times was a bit tedious and but overall it was great and you really do learn more than you would expect.

As it was only a vaccation scheme you were only given basic training and of course allowed to attend any trainee sessions that were on during your two weeks there. It is more focused on you getting to know the firm and seeing if you are the right fit.

Given a good range of opportuities to work with and speak to peopel at different levels in the firm, and the work shows you what trainee life would be like at the firm.

While there you naturally pick on the firms culture which is very friendly and inclusive.

Great insight into commericial law.

Shearman & Sterling is definitinely a firm to consider if you want to be a valued person of a practice area and work on high-end deals. Although the firm is American it has been in London for a long term and naturally has its own culture, if you have the chance apply!